U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now proposing a permanent rule change to the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Contest (known as the Duck Stamp) that would make the theme “Celebrating Our Waterfowl Hunting Heritage” and the mandatory inclusion of an appropriate hunting element permanent, beginning with the 2020 Contest.
The Brookline Bird Club has long asked birders to support the National Wildlife Refuge System through their purchase of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp Contest (known as the Duck Stamp).
We urge each of you to comment. The Brookline Bird Club opposes this proposal.
The comment period ends March 16.
We believe that increasing sales of the Stamp and strengthening the Duck Stamp program should be the top objectives when considering any change. This proposed change discourages sales to new purchasers outside the hunting community. Fewer sales lead to less land preservation and protection of habitat. The Duck Stamp program needs to be strengthened and to focus on creating common ground for support for the future of American wildlife.
From Parker River to Monomoy to Silvio O. Conte, birders value the National Wildlife Refuges in Massachusetts. In Massachusetts alone, 15,290 acres have been acquired through MBCF funds, including 97.8 percent of Monomoy NWR and 97.7 percent of Parker River NWR (https://www.fws.gov/refuges/realty/pdf/MBCFAcres2015.pdf). Through club trips and individual visits, we explore these lands year after year. We volunteer and serve on the boards of local Friends groups. These lands are central to our birding experiences and are treasured by our community.
Sales of the Stamp have generated more than a billion dollars for conservation since 1934. For every dollar you spend on Stamps, ninety-eight cents goes directly to protecting vital wetland habitat as part of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Your Stamp will also provide admission to refuges charging entrance fees, such as Parker River. With our large membership, purchasing a $25 Stamp can make a significant contribution to the continued protection of these important habitats.
For more information, go to www.friendsofthestamp.org
For a more detailed Action Alert, click here.
In order to comment, go to https://tinyurl.com/duck-stamp-rules-change.
We urge you to comment on this proposed change.
11/19 Pelagic Webinar: Pinch me! …. Did We Just Discover a New Species?!
On November 19 at 7PM please join us to hear from Alvaro Jaramillo, about the discovery of new species of seabirds.
11/14 Webinar: Birding in Italy
As a natural north-south bridge between Europe and Africa, Italy is a vitally important region for more than 550 bird species, both migrants and breeders. More than 20% of the “Boot” is under environmental protection
October 2026 BBC Big Day Report
October 2026 BBC Big Day Report On Saturday, October 10 over 50 BBC members submitted 133 checklists for Massachusetts as part of our BBC Big Day event (with a few more from NH, VT and [...]
Roberts on Raptors – An Unusual Red-shouldered Hawk
Earlier this week an adult Red-shouldered Hawk was recovered in a driveway just a mile from the center of Roanoke, Virginia, unable to fly, according to CNN.
Bring Back Bobolinks!
Bring Back Bobolinks! 2026 has been the inaugural year for our Endangered Species Program. Each year we plan to focus on a single bird species facing serious threats in Massachusetts and elsewhere. With this effort [...]
BBC Record of Bachman’s Warbler Sighting
BBC Record of Bachman's Warbler Sighting Club Statistician David Scott recently added a new record to the club's life list stemming from a 1961 week long club trip to Bulls Island, SC. We learned about [...]
11/19 Pelagic Webinar: Pinch me! …. Did We Just Discover a New Species?!
On November 19 at 7PM please join us to hear from Alvaro Jaramillo, about the discovery of new species of seabirds.
11/14 Webinar: Birding in Italy
As a natural north-south bridge between Europe and Africa, Italy is a vitally important region for more than 550 bird species, both migrants and breeders. More than 20% of the “Boot” is under environmental protection
October 2026 BBC Big Day Report
October 2026 BBC Big Day Report On Saturday, October 10 over 50 BBC members submitted 133 checklists for Massachusetts as part of our BBC Big Day event (with a few more from NH, VT and [...]
Roberts on Raptors – An Unusual Red-shouldered Hawk
Earlier this week an adult Red-shouldered Hawk was recovered in a driveway just a mile from the center of Roanoke, Virginia, unable to fly, according to CNN.
Bring Back Bobolinks!
Bring Back Bobolinks! 2026 has been the inaugural year for our Endangered Species Program. Each year we plan to focus on a single bird species facing serious threats in Massachusetts and elsewhere. With this effort [...]
BBC Record of Bachman’s Warbler Sighting
BBC Record of Bachman's Warbler Sighting Club Statistician David Scott recently added a new record to the club's life list stemming from a 1961 week long club trip to Bulls Island, SC. We learned about [...]
11/19 Pelagic Webinar: Pinch me! …. Did We Just Discover a New Species?!
On November 19 at 7PM please join us to hear from Alvaro Jaramillo, about the discovery of new species of seabirds.
11/14 Webinar: Birding in Italy
As a natural north-south bridge between Europe and Africa, Italy is a vitally important region for more than 550 bird species, both migrants and breeders. More than 20% of the “Boot” is under environmental protection
October 2026 BBC Big Day Report
October 2026 BBC Big Day Report On Saturday, October 10 over 50 BBC members submitted 133 checklists for Massachusetts as part of our BBC Big Day event (with a few more from NH, VT and [...]
Roberts on Raptors – An Unusual Red-shouldered Hawk
Earlier this week an adult Red-shouldered Hawk was recovered in a driveway just a mile from the center of Roanoke, Virginia, unable to fly, according to CNN.
Bring Back Bobolinks!
Bring Back Bobolinks! 2026 has been the inaugural year for our Endangered Species Program. Each year we plan to focus on a single bird species facing serious threats in Massachusetts and elsewhere. With this effort [...]
BBC Record of Bachman’s Warbler Sighting
BBC Record of Bachman's Warbler Sighting Club Statistician David Scott recently added a new record to the club's life list stemming from a 1961 week long club trip to Bulls Island, SC. We learned about [...]
News Categories
Upcoming Field Trips
Field Trips / Events
-
-
Millennium Park
Boston - Millennium Park Canoe Launch 300 Gardner Street, Boston, MA, United StatesJoin us to observe resident birds and winter migrants in a unique urban habitat that is a favorite for many bird species, including uncommon and rare birds. Birders of all levels will enjoy this walk. The trails are (generally) flat. A water bottle, water proof clothing including a hat, gloves, and trail shoes are recommended. [...]
-
Delaney WMA in Stow
Stow - Delaney WMA Boat Launch 353 Harvard Road, Stow, MA, United StatesDelaney WMA in Stow is an Important Bird Area with a variety of habitats, including a shallow lake, a slow-running stream and a marsh, all bordered by mixed conifer/deciduous forest. We’ll go for a slow-paced 2-to-3 mile walk along trails with moderate terrain changes to see how many species we can find.
-
Bear Creek Sanctuary (on behalf of Soheil Zendeh and WINWaste)
Saugus - Bear Creek Sanctuary (WINWaste) 100 Salem Turnpike, Saugus, MA, United StatesBear Creek is an upland sanctuary built on the WINWaste (formerly Wheelabrator) landfill at the northeast corner of Rumney Marsh in Saugus and Revere. Access information is below. Wear waterproof walking shoes and be prepared to hike 3 – 4 miles. The property is mostly very open, so be prepared for sun, wind and weather. [...]
-
Parker River NWR
Parker River NWR - Lot #1 Refuge Rd., Newbury, MA, MA, United StatesWe will explore various hot-spots on the refuge for fall migrants. Anything is possible during fall migration! Note that an entrance fee or pass is required to enter Parker River NWR. There are decent bathrooms at lot 1 where we start. Beginners welcome! Late arrivers can phone John at 781 859 9450 to find out [...]
-
Franklin Park – Scarboro Pond (Early Birders Series) Rescheduled from 11/7
Boston - Franklin Park Tennis Courts (Meeting Spot) MA, United StatesJoin fellow birders in their 20s-30s as we visit Franklin Park! Located in Roxbury, Boston’s largest open space is home to a plethora of natural features, including miles of trails, playing fields, a pond, and plenty of birds! Here we will look for all sorts of songbirds, including late fall migrants and early winterers. Whether [...]